GAfPA Convenes Blood Health Stakeholder Roundtable 

Frequently sidelined in chronic disease care, blood health is a decisive factor in both disease burden and treatment success. At the meeting, health care providers and patient advocates agreed – the time has come to better integrate blood health into every level of health care policy and practice. 

The Hidden Burden of Anemia 

Anemia, iron deficiency and bleeding disorders are not just minor health issues; they have profound impacts on patients’ lives. Experts at the roundtable noted that anemia can lead to serious medical complications, including increased risk of heart failure and hospitalizations. Beyond clinical outcomes, symptoms like fatigue and depression affect productivity, school performance and overall quality of life. People with lived experience of chronic conditions exacerbated by anemia shared personal stories underscoring how these symptoms are often normalized or dismissed, leaving many without adequate care. 

Patient Blood Management: A Proven Solution 

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly endorses Patient Blood Management (PBM)  – a patient-centered approach to preserving one’s own blood – as a cornerstone of better blood health. PBM is more than a clinical best practice – it’s a strategy that improves patient outcomes while reducing health care costs. Evidence shows PBM leads to lower mortality, fewer comorbidities, reduced transfusion rates and shorter hospital stays. These benefits ripple outward, improving quality of life for patients and alleviating pressure on health systems. 

Barriers and Opportunities 

Despite its clear advantages, PBM faces barriers such as lack of awareness, cultural resistance and gaps in care pathways. Patients often struggle to get long-term monitoring, and clinicians note that guidelines and reimbursement models need updating. Addressing these challenges requires a united effort across specialties, starting at the primary care level. 

Advocacy: The Path Forward 

Participants agreed that advocacy is key. Raising awareness among patients, providers, policymakers and the media is the first step. Blood health should be integrated into disease-specific strategies, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, women’s health and mental health. And action must be taken at the national level. Accordingly, national stakeholders must pair compelling patient stories of lived experience with strong clinical and economic evidence to help drive national policy change. 

Why Blood Health Matters 

As populations age and non-communicable diseases rise, prioritizing blood health is essential. Early detection and treatment of anemia can transform lives and strengthen health systems. GAfPA is committed to advancing this conversation and ensuring that blood health becomes a standard part of chronic disease care. 

Learn more: 

WHO Guidance on Patient Blood Management
GAfPA’s Blood Health Fast Facts